Subjects, Verbs, and the Simple Sentence

Identifying the Parts of Speech

Verbs… A verb makes a declaration about a

subject.› A verb states an occurrence (occur,

happen)› A verb is a state of being› A verb is an action.

Verbs… How do I identify a verb in a sentence?

Verbs… In order to identify the verb of a

sentence you need to ask yourself:

“What is the relationship of this verb to the subject?”

Verbs… There are three basic types of verbs:

› Linking Verbs

› Action Verbs

› Helping Verbs

Linking Verbs… Linking verbs connect the subject to a

word that renames, describes, or defines the subject.

All linking verbs whether it renames, describes, or defines the subject acts like an equal sign between the subject and noun or adjective that comes after them.

Linking verbs… Common linking verbs that connect the

subject to a word that renames it are:

› am, is, are, were, am being, has been…

Linking verbs… Linking verbs that connect the subject

to a word that renames the subject.

› For example – A flood is a serious danger. Flood = serious danger

› For example - The ice cream is cold and sweet. Ice cream = cold and sweet

Write a sentence… Write three sentences using the

common linking verbs that connect the subject to a descriptive word that renames it:

› am, is, are, were, am being, has been…

Linking Verbs… Common linking verbs that connect the

subject with a word or words that describes the subject are:

› These verbs relate to what we see…

appear, become, look, seem, turn

Write a sentence Write three sentences using the

common linking verbs that connect the subject to a descriptive word that describes it:

› appear, become, look, seem, turn

Linking verbs… Common linking verbs that connect the

subject to verbs that define the subject.

These verbs relate to defining an experience like:

feel, smell, sound, taste

Write a sentence… Write three sentences using the

common linking verbs that connect the subject to a descriptive word that defines it:

› feel, smell, sound, taste

Action Verbs… Action verbs show the behavior of the

subject.

For example – Justin and Mia prepared their house for the upcoming storm.

For example - Before the flood, Justin and Mia raised the furnace, water heater, washer, dryer, and furniture off the floors in their home.

Write a sentence… Write three sentences using action

verbs that show the behavior of the subject.

Helping Verbs… A helping verb is used with a main verb

to create a verb phrase.

The verbs be, do, and have can be used alone or as helping verbs.

Helping verbs… For example – Jermaine has prepared a

supply kit in case of an emergency.

For example – Has Jermaine prepared a supply kit?

For example – Jermaine has not bought all the supplies.

Helping verbs… Common helping verbs –

BeBeingBeenAmAreIsWaswere

DoDoesdid

HaveHad has

MayMightmust

ShouldCould would

CanWill shall

Have toHave got to Ought toSupposed toUsed to

Helping verbs… For example - Due to lack of road access,

emergency services may be delayed for up to 72 hours after a major disaster.

For example - One gallon of water per person per day for three days is recommended for drinking, cooking, and washing.

For example - Hurricanes, ice storms, and tornadoes can be devastating natural disasters.

Write a sentence… Write three sentences using helping

verbs with a main verb to create a verb phrase.